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1982 Map of Oscura Mountains

Name: 1982 Topographic Map of Oscura Mountains
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

White Sands Missile Range dominates the central and eastern portions of this High Desert landscape, marking a significant 1980s military footprint across the Tularosa Basin. The map identifies the Trinity Site (Historic) northwest of the Oscura Mountains, where the world's first nuclear test occurred decades prior. To the west, the Rio Grande valley provides a stark contrast to the arid interior, supporting the lush wetlands of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Settlement patterns follow the river and historic rail corridors, with small communities like San Antonio and the ghost of San Marcial situated along the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe RR. Mineral interests are evidenced by scattered operations like the Gilmore Mine and Hoot Owl Mine. This survey preserves a transition era in Socorro County, where 19th-century mining and ranching heritage—noted by landmarks like Carthage and Bingham—met the technological frontier of the late 20th century.